A cool breeze welcomes everyone who comes out of the Istanbul airport. It was mid-May, and still Spring after all, and the great weather was enough to soothe our tired bodies from the long flight from Manila.

The main event was the three-day Global News Forum spearheaded by the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and Asiavision (AVN), which brings together journalists from all over the region every year to discuss current issues and challenges, and chart a way forward.

On the sidelines of the forum, journalists also took time out to explore the sights in Istanbul, a land both locked in time and buoyed by emerging modern culture.

OLD CITY DOWNTOWN

There’s no better place to start exploring than the Old City at the heart of Istanbul. 

Easily reachable by public transportation, it entails a lot of walking, eating, and sightseeing — from bazaars, restaurants, quaint hotels, and historical sites. 

Sultanahmet Square is brimming with tourists, locals, and guides, yet the place does not feel jampacked. 

One can leisurely take a walk, with ice cream, a bagel, or a corn in hand, marveling at the rich history and architecture.

The short trip allowed us to visit the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern — all a few steps away from each other. 

It’s best to get entrance tickets in advance (25 euros for the Hagia Sophia, around 30 euros for the Basilica Cistern, and free entrance for the Blue Mosque, but do take note of prayer times).

All the structures are massive and impressive.

HAGIA SOPHIA

The Hagia Sophia, completed in the 6th century under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, was built as a Christian Church. 

In subsequent centuries, it became a mosque, and the structure and art on its walls, ceilings, and columns reflect the religious changes in the region. 

In 1985, the Hagia Sophia was designated a component of a UNESCO World Heritage site called the Historic Areas of Istanbul.

BLUE MOSQUE

The 17th-century Blue Mosque is likewise magnificent. 

Set across from the Hagia Sophia, it has large domes and is formally known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, named after the sultan who ordered its construction. 

Hundreds of Muslims use it for daily prayers, and it is open to tourists when not in use for worship.

BASILICA CISTERN

A personal favorite is the Basilica Cistern — a system of giant cisterns underground that was used to store water in case of wars or droughts. This was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 532 CE and has two statues of Medusa. Dark and cold, it has eerie and mysterious feels, but overwhelms with the wisdom behind its construction and engineering.

WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT

In and around the Sultanahmet Square, one can easily find corn, bagels, nuts, Turkish delight, baklava, and other sweet treats. 

Inside stores and bazaars, tourists can bask in the smell of various kinds of coffee, tea, and spices. 

BAZAAR ABDULHAMID

The Turkish delight lives up to its name — and was a delight with its merry mix of nuts, marshmallow, pastes and creams, honey and more. 

Stores can even vacuum seal the package for travelers who wish to bring some home.

BOSPHORUS STRAIT

The nearby Bosphorus Strait forms one of the continental boundaries between Asia and Europe. 

It offers cruises, and at night, a row of restaurants offers authentic Turkish dishes. 

It was a good way to cap the day, with the good weather complementing delicious kebabs of all kinds.

ICE CREAM VENDOR

Not to be missed is the rich, sticky ice cream — delivered in a playful way — by vendors who have also gone viral for their unique service. 

Just a note: this is not for the impatient but for ice cream lovers willing to joyfully wait for a scoop or two of their favorite flavors.

With information from Britannica